Pee-wee Herman actor, Paul Reubens has died

Denver, CO — American actor, Paul Reubens, or Pee-wee Herman, has died at age 70 on July 20, 2023.

A post on his Instagram read, “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”

Jimmy Kimmel Tweeted: : “Paul Reubens was like no one else – a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time. He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.”

Paul Reubens Fast Facts…

Real name was Paul Reubenfield.

Started performing skits at the age of 5 on a stage his father built for him at home

Was President of the National Thespian Society at Florida’s Sarasota High School

Attended the California Institute of the Arts. Worked at a restaurant and as a Fuller Brush salesman in college.

First break was playing a waiter in The Blues Brothers

Created the Pee-Wee Herman character during a 1978 improvisation exercise with fellow comics. The name ‘Pee Wee’ came from a harmonica Reubens owned as a child. The name ‘Herman’ came from one of Reuben’s childhood friends.